Learn facts about Tipu before dubbing him ’fanatic’ : Minister Rai to detractors

Learn facts about Tipu before dubbing him ’fanatic’ : Minister Rai to detractors

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Nov 10, 2015 : DK District in-charge Minister B Ramanatha Rai inaugurated the Tipu Jayanthi celebrations held at the Netravathi Auditorium of DK Zilla Panchayat on November 10, Tuesday. The ceremony was jointly organised by the DK District Administration, Zilla Panchayat, Kannada and Culture Department and Department for Welfare of Minorities. The minister also unveiled the portrait of Tipu Sultan on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, Rai described Tipu Sultan as one of the pioneering freedom fighters of the region who was successful in ensuring victory for Mysore in the war against the British. He also launched a veiled attack on those who branded Tipu as a fanatic by stating that such people need to make an in-depth study on Tipu before making any such statement.

Questioning those who opposed Tipu Jayanthi celebrations, Rai said why were these people raising voice now, at a time when no one said anything when lessons on Tipu were part of the school curriculum.

Dr Uday Barkur, noted historian delivered the key-note address and said Tipu played a pivotal role in the development of agriculture and sericulture sectors in Karnataka and that Tipu had played a key role in the development of Karnataka. He also was critical of those who dubbed Tipu as a fanatic and requested them to learn facts about Tipu from genuine sources.

Ivan D’Souza, MLC, Mohiuddin Bava, MLA of Mangaluru North and others spoke on the occasion.